Energy Projects & EPCs

One of our Community Projects Officers is a fully accredited Domestic Energy Assessor, and as such, Urras Thiriodh can conduct inspections to produce Energy Performance Certificates – otherwise known as an EPC.  

What is an EPC? 

An EPC is a document that shows the energy efficiency of a property with a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The EPC also provides recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the property. If your property has an existing EPC you can view it online at Scottish EPC Register.  

Why is Urras Thiriodh offering EPCs? 

As we outline in our Community Development Plan, we have long-term aims to improve Tiree’s existing housing stock. EPCs are the first step towards achieving this aim.

By conducting EPCs, we can gather a more detailed insight into exactly what improvements need to be made to improve energy efficiency, lower carbon impact, and (hopefully) reduce fuel bills.  

We are grateful to have secured funding from Argyll & Bute Council’s Supporting Communities Fund to offer fully funded EPCs to a select number of households with high fuel bills and poor insulation. These households have been identified from Cruas Winter Energy Grant 2022/2023 recipients. We will be in touch with those eligible for a funded EPC in the near future. 

As an added bonus, we can also provide our EPC service to the general public, such as those looking for long-term or holiday lets. Our EPC service is Tiree-based, meaning there are no associated travel and accommodation expenses. Additionally, we can accept instruction on an EPC relatively quickly – this reduces waiting times and also allows us to support those needing an EPC urgently, for example, landlords requiring an EPC to offer a long-term let. 

Plus, any funds generated are reinvested into our community. 

Do I need an EPC? 

There are circumstances in which an EPC is a legal requirement – we would recommend you follow the Scottish Government’s guidance, which is available to read online here.  

There are also times when you might just want an EPC, even if it isn’t a legal requirement. For example, your current EPC might be valid, but you want an EPC to reflect, e.g. completed renovation works. 

Can you do an EPC on a new build? 

Unfortunately, no – there is a different qualification required to undertake an EPC on a newly built property. However, if this is a service you would be interested in instructing in the future, we’d be keen to make a note of it. 

I don’t need an EPC, but I want to find out how I can improve the energy efficiency of my property as my fuel bills are very expensive – can Urras Thiriodh help? 

Yes. Our Domestic Energy Assessor is also a qualified Generalist Adviser with Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, along with our Community Support Officer. If you are concerned about your fuel bills, please get in touch. 

If you want to look at improving the energy efficiency of your property, we would recommend you contact Home Energy Scotland for advice on grants and loans that may be available to you.